Namco Bandai signs Ninja Theory

Two high-profile studios have joined Namco Bandai's current partnership roster, as the Japanese publisher looks to expand its global presence.

UK-based Heavenly Sword developer Ninja Theory revealed it is working on an Xbox 360 and PS3 title for the publisher, while Tokyo-headquartered indie group Game Republic has also revealed two new Namco-supported projects.

The string of announcements came through during Namco Bandai's press conference at Gamescom.

During the conference, Game Republic's company president Yoshiki Okamoto pledged to sustain its close ties with Namco Bandai after its two initial projects finish. The first of those is an action adventure game entitled Majin, while the other is based on the upcoming Clash of the Titans movie from Warner Bros.

Both titles are expected to arrive on Xbox 360 and PS3 in the first half of 2010.

Ninja Theory, meanwhile, was less substantiative when announcing its new Namco Bandai-supported project. The studio did confirm, however, that the game will be based on an original IP and is scheduled to arrive on the Xbox 360 and PS3 next year.

"Ninja Theory's first title exemplified their incredible talent and ability to deliver a high quality, cinematic and captivating gameplay experience," said Makoto Iwai, company VP at Namco Bandai Games America.

"With producers from our North American office working closely with such a strong European development studio, we will be able to create a blockbuster title with strong pan-Western sensibilities and appeal for a global gaming audience."

Ninja Theory co-founder Nina Kristensen was confident of the new game's credentials.

"This new project pushes our core strengths of rich story-telling, cutting-edge technology and exciting gameplay beyond anything we have created before," said Kristensen.

"The support of Namco Bandai combined with the skills and talent we have nurtured over the years means that players are going to be in for a truly deep and memorable experience."Story originally published on Develop